Inauguration and Awards Gala 2017

AIA New Jersey (AIANJ) and Architects League of Northern New Jersey (ALNNJ) hosted the Annual Inauguration and Awards Gala Saturday evening at the Sheraton in Mahwah, NJ.  The event gathered architects and allied professions along with their families to celebrate architecture and swear in the incoming boards of both organizations.

c.2017 AIANJ & Hollander Photography

2017 AIANJ President Ben Lee, AIA, and 2015 ALNNJ President Paul Bryan, AIA, welcomed and toasted to a successful 2016 and for a prosperous 2017 ahead.

Architects League of Northern NJ presented the following awards and installed their 2017 Officers:

ALNNJ Trustee Awards
– Matthew A. Fink, AIA
– Todd M. Hause, AIA
– Joseph E. David, AIA

ALNNJ 2017 Officers c.2017 AIANJ & Hollander Photography

ALNNJ Vegliante Memorial Award
– R. Terry Durden, AIA

 

AIA New Jersey made presentations to the 2016 Service Award winners and the 2016 Design Award winners.

AIANJ Service Awards
– Intern Architect of the Year  Megan Pritts, Associate AIA
– Young Architect of the Year  Andrew Burian, AIA
– Architect of the Year   Paul Barlo, AIA
– Architectural Firm of the Year   Kimmerle Group
– Distinguished Service Award   Michael J. Hanrahan, AIA

2017 AIANJ Officers: Bruce Turner, AIA; Jessica O’Donnell, AIA; Brandon Warshofsky, Assoc AIA; Steven Lazarus, AIA; Ben Lee, AIA; John Cwikla, AIA; Kim Vierheilig, AIA; Justin Mihalik, AIA; Judith Donnelly, AIA; c 2017 AIANJ & Hollander Photography

AIANJ 2016 Design Awards
– 93 Reade Street  •  CTS
– Biotrial North America Headquarters  •  Francis Cauffman
– Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science & Innovation   • HDR
– Guerrilla Fitness  • Solid and Void
– Holly Pointe Commons, Rowan University   •  Erdy McHenry Architects
– MD Anderson Cancer Center  •  HDR
– NJ Insitute for Food Nutrition and Health  •  Ballinger
– Olympic Archery Park   •  ikon.5 architects
– Pinbright Institute  •  HDR
– Porcelanosa  •  CTS
– Prosepct Avenue House  •  Joseph Hobart Weiss
– The Unitarian Church Expansion  • ikon.5 architects
– Village House   • Stonewater Architects

Ben Lee, AIA with Robert Cozzarelli, AIA and Bruce Turner, AIA c.2017 AIANJ & Hollander Photography

The new Regional Representative Bruce Turner, AIA, installed the 2017 AIANJ officers.  Outgoing Regional Representative Robert Cozzarelli, AIA, was honored for his service to the organization as well as other past presidents in attendance.

AIANJ Past Presidents c.2017 AIANJ & Hollander Photography

 

 

 

 

 

2016 President Justin Mihalik with 2017 President Ben Lee, AIA c.2017 AIANJ & Hollander Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call to Action: Federal Historic Tax Credit

Call To Action: Federal Historic Tax Credit in Danger of Repeal in Tax Reform The incoming Trump administration and Speaker Ryan have prioritized moving tax reform legislation in the first 100 days of the new Congress, likely including eliminating tax credits and deductions. The HTC is the most significant federal financial commitment to historic preservation. Over the last 36 years, the credit has created 2.3 million jobs, leveraged $117 billion in investment, and rehabilitated more than 41,250 buildings – all while generating enough in federal revenue to pay for itself. Keeping the federal Historic Tax Credit is essential to a place like New Jersey.  Without it, we would loose the traction gained on complimentary state legislation that AIA–NJ has supported for several years – namely, the Historic Properties Reinvestment Act (HPRA).  HPRAwould piggyback on the HTC where commercial/income-earning projects are involved.  The vast majority of states in country (and all states that border NJ) already have credit programs like HPRA.  NJ’s substantial stock of older buildings cries out for this type of re-investment and the sensible growth it promotes. Originally the RCA Victor Company’s Building 17, the Victor in Camden, NJ was made possible through the use of federal Historic Tax Credits about ten years ago   Contact your members of congress!   Call (during office hours) or email them! Ask them to support the Historic Tax Credit as part of tax reform legislation that is expected to move through Congress. Explain the value of the HTC and ask your Members of Congress to express support to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), and other committee members.   Locate the name and address of your Representative here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ Locate the names and addresses of your Senators here: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?OrderBy=state&Sort=ASC This link (courtesy of Preservation Action) provides a Historic Tax Credit fact sheet with key points to share with legislators: http://www.preservationaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/HTC-Factsheet-2017.pdf  Thank you for doing your part to advocate for the HTC!

AIANJ Presents 2016 Service Award Winners

Presentations were made to the AIA New Jersey Service Award winners at the Annual Awards Dinner held January 14th at the Sheraton Mahwah.

Congratulations to this years recipients and Thank You to the sponsors:

Intern of the Year – Megan Pritts, Associate AIA sponsored by Conspectus, Inc        c.2017 AIANJ & Hollander Photography

Paul Barlo, AIA – Architect of the Year sponsored by Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas, LP  c.2017 AIANJ & Hollander Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kimmerle Group – Architectural Firm of the Year sponsored by Van-Note Harvey Associates   c. 2017 AIANJ & Hollander Photography

Andrew Burian AIA – Young Architect of the Year sponsored by NK Architects   c. 2017  AIANJ & Hollander Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Hanrahan AIA – Distinguished Service Award sponsored by Whitehorn Financial Group   c.2017 AIANJ & Hollander Photography

AIAWJ 2016 Photography Competition Awardees

AIA West Jersey has announced the top selected images of the 11th Annual Photography Competition.  The selected images are featured in the 2017 AIA West Jersey Calendar.

2017 Calendar cover with the Best Overall Image

The top selected photographs for the year are:

• Best Overall Image
  Bruges Church
  Glenn Goldman, FAIA
• Best Color Image
  Kennebunkport Chapel
  Amy Nowak-Palmerini, AIA
• Best Black&White
  Palace Stairway
  Jacob Goldman

 

Thanks to all the architects and students who submitted images to the 2016 competition.
Congratulations to the photographers and the winning images.

Calendars are available for purchase through AIA West Jersey.  If you are interested in purchasing a copy to help promote the local architectural profession please contact photo@aiawestjersey.org

 

Architecture Firm Uses Holistic Design Approach to Build New James Monroe Elementary School

 

                                                        

Edison, NJ – At the start of 2017, students in Edison Township returned “home” for their first day of school in the new James Monroe Elementary School (JMES).  The original school was burned to the ground three years ago after a devastating fire. Local architecture and engineering firm, LAN Associates, worked diligently to fast track the return of students and staff to their school, while they have been temporarily attending class at the former Saint Cecelia’s Catholic School in Iselin.

The two-story, 21^st century James Monroe Elementary School, approximately 67,000 sf, was designed using principles of a holistic design approach, where light, flexibility, choice, connection, complexity, and color are direct correlations to enhance student educational achievement. Studies have verified that a holistic design approach can advance a student’s academic progress up to 25% during the course of an academic year.

Daylighting is the most important design criteria to a school, as it directly impacts attendance, academic and performance productivity. “We began the building design by performing light studies on all orientations of the building,” says Vice President and Project Architect Kim Vierheilig of LAN Associates. “Maximizing natural light in every learning space was a priority and just as important was providing controls within classroom so educators could easily transform their learning environment, depending on the technology they use during instruction or break out activities.”

A’17 – AIA Convention

Join Architects in Orlando – April 27th to 29th – for the AIA Conference on Architecture 2017

A’17 (formerly the AIA Convention) is the architecture and design event of the year.  It’s about designing a better world.  It’s about tapping into the architects and design professionals who are shaping our industry.  And it’s about moving our communities, our profession, and ourselves forward.

Join us this April for three days of fast-paced, hard-hitting ideas, inspiration, education, networking, and innovation from industry-leading architects, firms, and building product manufacturers.

Something for everyone: Keynote Speakers:  Alejandro Aravena, Francis Kéré, and Michael Murphy Early bird member rates through Feb. 15 FREE registration for new AIA members Young professionals save an additional 30% Students get in for $25

New Program Offers Assistance For “Green” Businesses

New program offers recognition and reliable, no-cost assistance for “green” businesses

By Deborah Smarth

For almost 40 years, the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers, also known as America’s SBDC New Jersey, has providedcomprehensive services and programs for New Jersey entrepreneurs to help expand their operations, manage their growth, or start new ventures. 

Up until recently, NJSBDC’s consulting services focused primarily on core operational activities, such as helping entrepreneurs develop business plans, obtain financing, identify new markets, develop marketing and sales strategies, learn recordkeepingand accounting skills, find procurement and international trade opportunities, commercialize technology, and develop an E-commerce presence. 

Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and its long-standing working relationship with the Bureau of Energy and Sustainability (BES) at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the NJSBDCnetwork has now added sustainability as a new specialty to its vast repertoire of services. The new specialty offers prompt and easily accessible services and a business friendly approach to help New Jersey small business owners start or expand environmentally conscious practices. 

One component of the new specialty program focuses on the pro-bono and confidential management consulting services for which the NJSBDC is renowned!  Whether you want information about starting or expanding a sustainability program, or a strategy to help you deal with an existing environmental concern, the NJSBDC will provide you with an expert counselor who is knowledgeable in all facets of sustainability, energy conservation, waste reduction, pollution prevention, toxics mitigation, and disaster preparedness. 

2017 Newark & Suburban Past Presidents Banquet

January 21, 2017
Metropolitan Room
at The Newark Club

6 – 11  PM

 

BLACK TIE Optional

Purchase Tickets Now!
Click Here for More Information

Price will increase on Sunday, January 8 to $175 for regular members/$100 for Associate members

RSVP Deadline noon January 14

Interested in Sponsoring?  CLICK HERE

President’s Message – 2016 Highlights

Happy New Year to all of you and I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!  With the New Year comes a new president, Ben Lee AIA, who is very excited and has some great initiatives that promote the goals of AIA-NJ’s Strategic Plan.  I called Ben over the holiday weekend wishing him the best of luck and he knows he has my full support.  For me this has been a fabulous year as president that just went by all too fast.  As members you can rest assure that those serving on the Board of Trustees have you in mind as they represent you better then can be expected.  Without them I could not have accomplished my goals as president and I thank them for their support and their continued support for Ben Lee.  Some of our accomplishments in 2016 are as follows:

• Creation of the AIA New Jersey Center for Architecture– as a result of meetings with the six AIANJ Sections a Committee has been formed and is working toward a schedule of events to be hosted throughout the state with the Center as a “pop-up”.  I will remain closely involved as the idea of a Center has been near and dear to my heart for more than five years now and I believe this is the best vehicle for outreach to the general public.

• Resiliency/Disaster Assistance– AIANJ had its first Training of the Trainers for Disaster Assistance Training.  We now have five certified trainers here in NJ that will continue to provide training to NJ professionals.  We also held our first Hurriplantraining that provided more than twenty architects with the tools to prepare a community for a hurricane.  We will continue to work with the State Police in order to have the AIANJ Post Disaster Assessment team members registered so that in time of a declared disaster, they may be activated by the Governor.

• Lightweight Construction Materials – we continue to work with our legislators through our Task Force to educate them as to the proper use and protection of lightweight construction materials in multi-family construction.  We are committed to working with DCA on improvements to the building code as outlined in the Whitepaper issued by the Taskforce with the potential of seeing our recommendations considered in the International Building Code.

• AIANJ Large Firm Roundtable – We will continue to develop a Large Firm Roundtable so that the large firms here in NJ can discuss the issues that are unique to them.  All those firms interested in participating that have a staff of 25 or more, please contact me.

• AIANJ Scholarship Foundation – I will continue to work with the Scholarship Foundation on the formation of a new foundation to be the “AIA New Jersey Foundation” that will have a broader mission and be more closely aligned with AIANJ.  The Scholarship Foundation has been committed and provided thousands of dollars over the years in scholarships to NJ students attending a school of architecture and we want to see this continue as well as other programs and events that will be beneficial to members and the public.  Much thanks to the past and current Scholarship Foundation Board!

• AIANJ Governance – The Board of Trustees in our last board meeting of the year voted in favor of a new governance structure that will reduce the number of board members as well as open board seats up to individuals from the public.  In order for AIANJ to remain relevant it is important that we see and understand the public’s viewpoint on architects.  This is a big step for AIANJ and one that will allow the organization to grow and provide more for its members.

In closing, my experience over the last twelve years being involved in AIA has been priceless.  My motivation has always been to make our profession a better place to practice and to mentor and to continue to promote the profession to the public.  I like to believe that I have left my mark on my work thus far with AIA Newark & Suburban as well as AIA New Jersey, and I will continue to do so.  In the meantime, it is now up to you to get involved and make this AIA your AIA!

Sincerely,

Justin A. Mihalik AIA

2016 President

Upcoming AIA West Jersey Events in 2017

As the holiday season comes to a close, we look to 2017 and the year ahead. AIA West Jersey will be introducing new members to the executive committee, and planning the year’s programming. In fact, a number of events are already in the works.

Wine and Cheese Tasting / Inaugural:
To kick the year off, AIA WJ will host a wine and cheese tasting event on January 19th co-sponsored by Graphisoft, producers of ARCHICAD one of the leading Building Information Modeling (BIM) software applications used by architects, designers and engineers. This event will feature a presentation of vineyard projects designed in ARCHICAD while attendees sample wines and chesses presented by a guest sommelier. AIA New Jersey 2017 President, Ben Lee, AIA, will be in attendance to swear in the members of the 2017 AIA WJ Board. Please check your inbox in early January for registration information.
Attendance will be limited, so RSVP early to save your place.

Emerging Professionals Tour:
AIA West Jersey invites our EPs, as well as the general membership, to join us for a tour of NextFab, a collaborative makerspace with digital and traditional fabrication tools, 3D printers, CNC machines, classes, events, and professional consulting services. The tour is tentatively scheduled for February 23rd, at NextFab’s Washington Avenue facility in South Philadelphia. Mark your calendars, and get a taste of the facility at: www.nextfab.com

Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA) Historic Louden Barn Tour:
If you joined us in September for the joint AIA West and South Jersey Dinner Meeting, you’ve already heard about the renovation of the historic Louden Barn (built 1932) on the Bishop Farmstead at PPA Headquarters in Southampton, NJ.  On March 25th, AIA West and South Jersey will offer a tour of the completed barn project, hosted by PPA staff and the project architect, engineer, geothermal consultant. This tour will include access to the expansive hayloft, a space not typically open to the public.

This and many more events are available to AIA Members and guests in 2017.  We look forward to sharing the experiences with you.

Be sure to check the AIA West Jersey website (www.aiawestjersey.org) and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AIAWestJersey) for updates as we move into the New Year.

AIA West Jersey strives to bring quality programming and value to its membership, and believes that the organization is YOUR AIA. Please reach out to us with constructive criticism and feedback via aiawestjersey@aia-nj.org.

Happy New Year,

Mark Barone, AIA

Incoming President 2017